U.S. patent application number 11/958564 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for device for applying a protruding tab to double-sided adhesive tape, and method of using.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Joseph T. Bartusiak, James F. Pitzen.
Application Number | 20100147455 11/958564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40801740 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100147455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartusiak; Joseph T. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
DEVICE FOR APPLYING A PROTRUDING TAB TO DOUBLE-SIDED ADHESIVE TAPE,
AND METHOD OF USING
Abstract
Herein is disclosed a device and method for attaching a tab to
an elongate length of double-sided adhesive tape, the tab
protruding beyond a terminal end of the elongate length of tape and
being attached to both surfaces of the adhesive tape.
Inventors: |
Bartusiak; Joseph T.;
(Osseo, MN) ; Pitzen; James F.; (Stillwater,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
40801740 |
Appl. No.: |
11/958564 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/269 ;
156/378 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 35/004 20130101;
Y10T 225/226 20150401; Y10T 225/238 20150401; B65H 2301/5163
20130101; Y10T 156/1785 20150115; Y10T 225/282 20150401; B65D
85/672 20130101; Y10T 156/1084 20150115; Y10T 156/1763 20150115;
B65H 37/002 20130101; Y10T 156/1343 20150115; Y10T 225/257
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/269 ;
156/378 |
International
Class: |
B32B 38/04 20060101
B32B038/04; B65C 9/06 20060101 B65C009/06 |
Claims
1. A dispenser comprising: a frame; a roll of double-sided adhesive
tape positioned on the frame, the roll of tape having a terminal
end; a tab piece storage and attachment unit arranged on the frame,
the unit having an elongated shape with first and second ends and
comprising at least first and second major opposing walls extending
at least partially between the first and second ends, the unit
further comprising a plurality of individual tab pieces in a stack
comprising first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein the tab
piece stack is arranged between the first and second major opposing
walls, wherein the first major opposing wall contains a window that
is proximate the first end of the tab piece storage and attachment
unit and that exposes at least a portion of the first major surface
of the tab piece stack, wherein the first major opposing wall
further comprises a non-window portion located between the window
and the second end of the elongated tab piece storage and
attachment unit; and, wherein the tab piece storage and attachment
unit and the roll of tape are arranged such that when the terminal
end of the tape is positioned in overlapping relation with the
window, the tape is not in overlapping relation with the non-window
portion of the first major opposing wall of the tab piece storage
and attachment unit.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the window comprises a leading
edge and a trailing edge, and further wherein the tab piece storage
and attachment unit comprises an end stop positioned at the
trailing edge of the window.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the window comprises first and
second side edges, and further wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises at least one alignment rail positioned
along a side edge of the window.
4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises a first alignment rail positioned along
the first side edge of the window and a second alignment rail
positioned along the second side edge of the window, and wherein
both rails extend beyond the first major opposing wall of the tab
piece storage and attachment unit.
5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the window comprises a leading
edge and a trailing edge, wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises a flange positioned at the leading edge
of the window, and wherein the flange is in overlapping relation
with a portion of the first major surface of the tab stack.
6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the window comprises a leading
edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, and further
wherein the tab piece storage and attachment unit comprises a
flange positioned at the leading edge of the window, at least one
alignment rail positioned along a side edge of the window, and an
end stop positioned at the trailing edge of the window.
7. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the second major wall of the
tab piece storage and attachment unit comprises a biasing element
arranged to press against the second major surface of the tab piece
stack.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a tape hub
with an axis, and wherein the elongated tab piece storage and
attachment unit is arranged such that: the longitudinal axis of the
elongated unit is oriented substantially parallel to the axis of
the tape hub; the first and second major opposing walls of the tab
piece storage and attachment unit are substantially parallel to
each other; and, the first major opposing wall is positioned closer
to the tape hub and the second major opposing wall is positioned
further from the tape hub.
9. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a cutting device
arranged on the frame.
10. A method of dispensing a length of double-sided adhesive tape
with a tab attached to a terminal end of the adhesive tape,
comprising: providing a tab piece storage and attachment unit
comprising a plurality of individual tab pieces arranged in a stack
with first and second major surfaces, the tab piece storage and
attachment unit having an elongated shape with first and second
ends and comprising at least first and second major opposing walls
extending at least partially between the first and second ends, the
first major opposing wall comprising a window that is proximate the
first end of the tab piece storage and attachment unit and that
exposes a portion of the first major surface of the tab piece
stack; providing a length of double-sided adhesive tape comprising
first and second major adhesive surfaces, and comprising a terminal
end that comprises a terminal edge; positioning the first major
adhesive surface of the terminal end of the adhesive tape in
overlapping relation with the window; pressing on at least a
portion of the second major surface of the terminal end of the
adhesive tape that is in overlapping relation with the window, such
that the first major adhesive surface of the tape comes in contact
with the first major surface of the tab stack causing an uppermost
individual tab piece of the tab piece stack to be attached to the
first major adhesive surface of the adhesive tape; withdrawing the
terminal end of the tape from the window, causing the uppermost
individual tab piece of the tab piece stack to be removed from the
tab piece storage and attachment unit, and thus providing a length
of double-sided adhesive tape with a tab attached to the first
major adhesive surface of the terminal end of the tape and
protruding past the terminal end of the tape; wrapping the
protruding portion of the tab over the terminal end of the tape,
and attaching the first major surface of the tab to the second
major surface of the adhesive tape, such that a portion of the tab
protrudes past the terminal end of the tape; thus providing a
length of double-sided adhesive tape with a tab attached to both
major surfaces of the adhesive tape and protruding past the
terminal end of the length of adhesive tape.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the length of double-sided
adhesive tape is part of a roll and is separated from the roll
after attachment of the tab.
12. A device for attaching a protruding tab to a terminal end of an
elongate length of double-sided adhesive tape, the device
comprising: a tab piece storage and attachment unit containing a
plurality of individual tab pieces arranged in a stack with first
and second major surfaces, the tab piece storage and attachment
unit having an elongated shape with first and second ends and
comprising at least first and second major opposing walls extending
at least partially between the first and second ends, wherein the
first major opposing wall comprises a window that exposes at least
a portion of the first major surface of the tab piece stack, the
window defined on all sides by edges, wherein the edges comprise
leading and trailing edges that are oriented substantially
transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated unit, and
first and second side edges that are oriented substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated unit; and
wherein the tab piece storage and attachment unit comprises a
flange positioned at the leading edge of the window, wherein the
flange is in overlapping relation with a portion of the first major
surface of the tab piece stack.
13. The device of claim 12 wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises an end stop positioned at the trailing
edge of the window.
14. The device of claim 12 wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises at least one alignment rail positioned
along a side edge of the window.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises a first alignment rail positioned along
the first side edge of the window and a second alignment rail
positioned along the second side edge of the window, and wherein
both rails extend beyond the first major opposing wall of the tab
piece storage and attachment unit.
16. The device of claim 12 wherein at least a portion of the first
major wall of the tab piece storage and attachment unit comprises a
biasing element arranged to press against the second major surface
of the tab piece stack.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the biasing element comprises a
leaf spring.
18. The device of claim 12 wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises at least one alignment rail positioned
along a side edge of the window, and an end stop positioned at the
trailing edge of the window.
19. The device of claim 12 wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit is attached to the frame of a double-sided adhesive
tape dispenser.
20. The device of claim 19 further comprising a cutting device
arranged on the frame.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Adhesive tapes have been in use for many years. Devices and
methods are known whereby a portion of an adhesive tape may be
detackified or otherwise rendered non-adhesive. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,118,381 to Ryder and Ranalletta discloses a tape
dispenser apparatus for tape having an adhesive surface, that
includes a compartment for holding a plurality of individual tabs
which can be successively removed from the compartment and applied
to portions of the adhesive tape surface to provide multiple,
covered adhesive surface portions of the tape. PCT International
Publication No. WO 98/06652 discloses a length cutting fixture
which can be used to form a pull tab or "gripper" at the end of a
long length of a conventional single-sided adhesive tape. The
length cutting fixture also serves to cut the long length of tape,
now including the gripper, to any desired length. The gripper is
formed by folding the end of the tape back onto itself
[0002] So called double-sided adhesive tapes (i.e., tapes bearing
adhesive on both major opposing surfaces) are also widely known.
For example, so-called stretch releasing adhesive tapes are useful
in a wide variety of assembling, joining, attaching, and mounting
applications. Devices and methods are known whereby the adhesive
surface of a particular portion of a stretch releasing adhesive
tape can be rendered non-adhesive so that this portion of the
adhesive tape can serve as a nonadhesive pull tab (such that the
user can grasp and pull the tab to activate the stretch releasing
properties of the tape). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,012 to
Luhmann et al. discloses a strip of an adhesive film for a
re-releasable adhesive bond, one end of the strip being provided on
both sides with a UV-opaque covering which at the same time serves
as a tab for pulling. U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,910 to Bries and
Johansson discloses a stretch releasing tape that includes a
segmented liner that can be used to form a manually engagable pull
tab.
SUMMARY
[0003] Herein is disclosed a device and method for providing an
elongate length of double-sided adhesive tape with a protruding tab
at a terminal end of the length of tape. In particular, herein is
disclosed a device and method for providing an elongate length of
stretch releasing adhesive tape with a protruding tab at a terminal
end of the length of tape. Such a protruding tab (often called a
pull tab) can be grasped and pulled by a user to activate the
stretch release properties of the tape.
[0004] Applicant discloses a device comprising a stack of
individual tab pieces from which individual tab pieces may be
removed and attached to a terminal end of an elongate length of
double-sided adhesive tape. The tabs are provided in a tab piece
storage and attachment unit. In one embodiment the tab piece
storage and attachment unit is elongated with first and second
ends, and comprises at least first and second major walls. (The
tabs may be held within the unit by additional optional side walls
and end walls, or may be held by the pressure imparted by a biasing
element, as described in detail later herein). The first major wall
of the unit comprises a window proximate the first end of the unit,
which serves to expose a portion of one major surface of the
uppermost tab piece in the stack of individual tab pieces, such
that a terminal end of a length of double-sided adhesive tape can
be placed in overlapping relation with the window and deformed into
the window such that the first major adhesive surface of the
adhesive tape contacts the exposed major surface of the uppermost
tab piece and adheres the tab piece to the adhesive surface. The
double-sided adhesive tape can then be withdrawn from proximity to
the window, thereby removing the adhered tab piece from the tab
piece stack while leaving the remaining tab pieces in the tab piece
storage and attachment unit.
[0005] This device and procedure thus provides a length of
double-sided adhesive tape with a tab piece attached to a terminal
end. In one embodiment, the window in the first major wall of the
unit is sized and positioned such that the distal end of the
attached tab piece protrudes past the terminal edge of the terminal
end of the length of adhesive tape. Thus, the distal end of the
protruding portion of the tab piece can then be wrapped over the
terminal end and adhered to the second major side of the adhesive
tape (release liner, if present, having been removed).
Specifically, the tab pieces are sized, and the window is sized and
positioned, such that the distal end of the attached tab piece
protrudes sufficiently past the terminal edge of the terminal end
of the tape that, upon wrapping the tab piece over the terminal end
and attaching the distal end of the tab piece to the second major
surface of the tape, a portion of the thus-formed protruding tab
extends sufficiently beyond the terminal edge of the terminal end
of the adhesive tape to be easily graspable by a user. Thus is
provided an elongate length of double-sided adhesive tape with a
pull tab attached to a terminal end thereof and protruding beyond
the terminal end.
[0006] The tab piece storage and attachment unit may be provided
alone, or may be provided along with (e.g. attached to, or as an
integrally formed portion of) a dispenser for dispensing
double-sided adhesive tape. When provided along with a tape
dispenser, the tab piece storage and attachment unit, and the roll
of adhesive tape, are arranged so that when the terminal end of the
tape is positioned in overlapping relation with the window
proximate the first end of the tab piece storage and attachment
unit, the tape is not in overlapping relation with the second end
of the unit. That is, the elongate length of the tape extends from
the window in the direction away from the second end of the unit,
rather than extending in the direction of the second end of the
unit (i.e., rather than extending over the non-window portion of
the unit). This configuration ensures that the portion of the
uppermost tab that is not exposed through the window, protrudes
beyond the terminal edge of the terminal end of the double-sided
tape. Thus, when a tab is attached to a length of tape and removed
from the window, a portion of the tab protrudes beyond the terminal
end of the tape.
[0007] Applicant thus discloses in one aspect: a dispenser
comprising a frame; a roll of double-sided adhesive tape positioned
on the frame, the roll of tape having a terminal end; a tab piece
storage and attachment unit arranged on the frame, the unit having
an elongated shape with first and second ends and comprising at
least first and second major opposing walls extending at least
partially between the first and second ends, the unit further
comprising a plurality of individual tab pieces in a stack
comprising first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein the tab
piece stack is arranged between the first and second major opposing
walls, wherein the first major opposing wall contains a window that
is proximate the first end of the tab piece storage and attachment
unit and that exposes at least a portion of the first major surface
of the tab piece stack, wherein the first major opposing wall
further comprises anon-window portion located between the window
and the second end of the elongated tab piece storage and
attachment unit; and wherein the tab piece storage and attachment
unit and the roll of tape are arranged such that when the terminal
end of the tape is positioned in overlapping relation with the
window, the tape is not in overlapping relation with the non-window
portion of the first major opposing wall of the tab piece storage
and attachment unit.
[0008] Applicant thus discloses in another aspect: a method of
dispensing a length of double-sided adhesive tape with a tab
attached to a terminal end of the adhesive tape, comprising:
providing a tab piece storage and attachment unit comprising a
plurality of individual tab pieces arranged in a stack with first
and second major surfaces, the tab piece storage and attachment
unit having an elongated shape with first and second ends and
comprising at least first and second major opposing walls extending
at least partially between the first and second ends, the first
major opposing wall comprising a window that is proximate the first
end of the tab piece storage and attachment unit and that exposes a
portion of the first major surface of the tab piece stack;
providing a length of double-sided adhesive tape comprising first
and second major adhesive surfaces, and comprising a terminal end
that comprises a terminal edge; positioning the first major
adhesive surface of the terminal end of the adhesive tape in
overlapping relation with the window; pressing on at least a
portion of the second major surface of the terminal end of the
adhesive tape that is in overlapping relation with the window, such
that the first major adhesive surface of the tape comes in contact
with the first major surface of the tab stack causing an uppermost
individual tab piece of the tab piece stack to be attached to the
first major adhesive surface of the adhesive tape; withdrawing the
terminal end of the tape from the window, causing the uppermost
individual tab piece of the tab piece stack to be removed from the
tab piece storage and attachment unit, and thus providing a length
of double-sided adhesive tape with a tab attached to the first
major adhesive surface of the terminal end of the tape and
protruding past the terminal end of the tape; wrapping the
protruding portion of the tab over the terminal end of the tape,
and attaching the first major surface of the tab to the second
major surface of the adhesive tape, such that a portion of the tab
protrudes past the terminal end of the tape; thus providing a
length of double-sided adhesive tape with a tab attached to both
major surfaces of the adhesive tape and protruding past the
terminal end of the length of adhesive tape.
[0009] Applicant thus discloses in still another aspect: a device
for attaching a protruding tab to a terminal end of an elongate
length of double-sided adhesive tape, the device comprising: a tab
piece storage and attachment unit containing a plurality of
individual tab pieces arranged in a stack with first and second
major surfaces, the tab piece storage and attachment unit having an
elongated shape with first and second ends and comprising at least
first and second major opposing walls extending at least partially
between the first and second ends, wherein the first major opposing
wall comprises a window that exposes at least a portion of the
first major surface of the tab piece stack, the window defined on
all sides by edges, wherein the edges comprise leading and trailing
edges that are oriented substantially transversely to the
longitudinal axis of the elongated unit, and first and second side
edges that are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the elongated unit; and wherein the tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprises a flange positioned at the leading edge
of the window, wherein the flange is in overlapping relation with a
portion of the first major surface of the tab piece stack.
[0010] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should
the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed
subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the
attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary tab piece
storage and attachment unit.
[0012] FIG. 1a is a cross sectional view of the tab piece storage
and attachment unit of FIG. 1, taken along line 1a in FIG. 1, and
also showing in cross section a length of double-sided adhesive
tape.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an another exemplary tab
piece storage and attachment unit.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary tab piece storage and
attachment unit comprising an exemplary biasing element.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of a length of double-sided adhesive
tape with a tab piece attached to a terminal end.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tape
dispenser comprising a tab piece storage and attachment unit.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an exemplary tape dispenser
comprising a tab piece storage and attachment unit, and comprising
a roll of tape and a tab piece stack.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary tape dispenser
comprising a tab piece storage and attachment unit, and comprising
a roll of tape and a tab piece stack.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an exemplary tape dispenser
comprising a tab piece storage and attachment unit, and comprising
a roll of tape and a tab piece stack.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an exemplary tape dispenser
comprising a tab piece storage and attachment unit, and comprising
a roll of tape and a tab piece stack.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tape
dispenser comprising a tab piece storage and attachment unit.
[0022] Like reference symbols in the various figures indicate like
elements. Unless otherwise indicated, all figures and drawings in
this document are not to scale and are chosen for the purpose of
illustrating different embodiments of the invention. In particular
the dimensions of the various components are depicted in
illustrative terms only, and no relationship between the dimensions
of the various components should be inferred from the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Although terms such as "top", bottom", "upper", lower",
"front" and "back", and "first" and "second" may be used in this
disclosure, it should be understood that those terms are used in
their relative sense only.
[0024] Herein is disclosed a device comprising a plurality of
individual tab pieces arranged in a stack 30 from which individual
tab pieces may be removed and attached to a terminal end 53 of an
elongate length of double-sided adhesive tape 50. The tab stack 30
is provided in a tab piece storage and attachment unit 10,
exemplary illustrations of which are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one
embodiment the tab piece storage and attachment unit 10 is
elongated and comprises a longitudinal axis (e.g., the axis labeled
"x" in FIG. 1) and first end 15 and second end 16. In one
embodiment the tab piece storage and attachment unit 10 comprises
at least oppositely-facing first major wall 11 and second major
wall 12. In one embodiment the first major wall 11 and second major
wall 12 are each substantially flat, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
1a. In another embodiment, first major wall 11 and second major
wall 12 are arcuate, such that the unit comprises an arcuate
configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2 (for clarity, tab stack 30
is omitted from FIG. 2). First major wall 11 and second major wall
12 may extend partially, or completely, from first end 15 to second
end 16 of tab storage and attachment unit 10.
[0025] First major wall 11 comprises an opening 20 (hereafter
referred to as a "window") that serves to expose a portion of the
first major surface 31 of stack 30 (i.e. the first major surface 31
of uppermost tab piece 33 of the tab piece stack 30), such that
terminal end 53 of a length of double-sided adhesive tape 50 can be
placed in overlapping relation with window 20 (as shown in FIG.
1a). At least a portion of terminal end 53 of tape 50 can be
deformed into window 20 such that first major adhesive surface 51
of adhesive tape 50 contacts at least a part of the exposed portion
of the first major surface 31 of uppermost tab piece 33 and adheres
tab piece 33 to adhesive surface 51. Double-sided adhesive tape 50
can then be withdrawn from proximity to window 20, thereby removing
adhered tab piece 33 from tab piece stack 30 while leaving the
remaining tab pieces in the tab piece storage and attachment unit
10.
[0026] In one embodiment (pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2), window 20 is
positioned proximate first end 15 of unit 10. In various
embodiments, window 20 comprises a leading edge 21 and a trailing
edge 22, each of which is oriented substantially transverse to the
elongate length of the unit (that is, with reference to FIG. 1,
oriented substantially along the "y" axis of unit 10). Leading edge
21 is herein defined as the edge of window 20 that is nearest to
end 15 of unit 10 that window 20 is positioned proximate, and
trailing edge 22 is herein defined as the edge of window 20 that is
nearest to the end 16 of unit 10 that window 20 is positioned
furthest from. Thus, in one embodiment, first major wall 11 extends
at least from trailing edge 22 of window 20 to end 16 of unit
10.
[0027] Window 20 can also have first side edge. 23 and second side
edge 24, that are substantially aligned with the elongate length
("x" axis) of unit 10. In one embodiment, the leading and trailing
edge and the side edges are defined by portions of the first major
wall 11 of unit 10. In additional embodiments, the various window
edges are defined by other elements (e.g. optional components such
as side walls, flanges, alignment rails, and/or end stops, as
discussed in detail later herein).
[0028] In one embodiment (pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2), window 20 is
sized so as to occupy a majority of the width (i.e. along the "y"
axis of unit 10) of first major wall 11 of the unit. In various
embodiments, window 20 extends at least about 60%, 80% or 100%
across the width of.first major wall 11 of unit 10. In one
embodiment (pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2), window 20 is sized so as to
comprise a minority of the length (i.e. along the "x" axis of unit
10) of first major wall 11 of the unit. In various embodiments,
window 20 extends at most about 40%, 30% or 20% along the length of
the first major wall 11 of unit 10. The positioning of window 20
proximate first end 15 of unit 10, and the sizing of window 20 so
as comprise a minority of the length of unit 10, provides that when
unit 10 is used to attach a tab to a length of double-sided
adhesive tape, the tab will protrude beyond the terminal end of the
tape, as will be explained in detail later herein.
[0029] Various additional optional features may be provided in
order to aid in functioning of the device and method. In one
embodiment (pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2), unit 10 comprises an end
stop 17 that is positioned proximate trailing edge 22 of window 20.
End stop 17 can aid the user in the positioning of terminal end 53
of the double-sided tape 50 in overlapping relation with window 20
(for example, by abutting terminal edge 54 of the length of tape 50
against major surface 3 of end stop 17). In one embodiment, end
stop 17 is aligned with trailing edge 22 of window 20. In a further
embodiment, end stop 17 defines trailing edge 22 of window 20. In
one embodiment, end stop 17 is positioned substantially parallel to
the width of unit 10 (i.e. along short axis "y"). In one
embodiment, end stop 17 protrudes above (i.e. in the "z" direction
of FIG. 1) first major wall 11.
[0030] In one embodiment (pictured in FIG. 1a), end stop 17
comprises major surface 3 that is generally flat along the "y" axis
of unit 10, and that is positioned substantially normal to the
plane of first major wall of the unit. In an alternative
embodiment, end stop 17 is positioned such that distal end 4 of end
stop 17 is closer to leading edge 21 of the window than is proximal
end 2 of end stop 17. In such a case, surface 3 of end stop 17 can
be substantially flat; alternatively, surface 3 of end stop 17 can
be arcuate. In one embodiment, unit 10 comprises at least one
alignment rail 18 proximate window 20. Such an alignment rail 18
can be useful in positioning the length of tape 50 with reference
to the "y" axis of unit 10. In one embodiment alignment rail 18 is
positioned proximate a first side edge 23 of window 20 and is
substantially aligned with side edge 23. In a further embodiment,
alignment rail 18 defines side edge 23. In one embodiment,
alignment rail 18 extends beyond (e.g., protrudes above) first
major wall 11 of unit 10. In use, a side edge 55 of the length of
double-sided tape 50 can be positioned proximate (e.g. abutted
against) rail 18 for proper placement of the tape relative to
window 20, in the "y" direction.
[0031] In one embodiment (pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2), two alignment
rails 18 are provided, comprising a first rail 18 proximate first
side edge 23 of the window, and a second rail 18 proximate second
side edge 24 of the window, such that a length of double-sided
adhesive tape 50 can be guided therebetween. In one embodiment,
rails 18 rails extend beyond (e.g., protrude above) first major
wall 11 of unit 10. In one embodiment, rails 18 are parallel to
each other. In another embodiment, rails 18 are positioned at an
angle to each other with rails 18 farther apart proximate leading
edge 21 of window 20, and with rails 18 closer together proximate
trailing edge 22 of window 20, to aid in guiding the length of tape
50 between rails 18.
[0032] In one embodiment (pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2), unit 10
comprises a flange 19 positioned proximate leading edge 21 of
window 20. Flange 19 can be useful in securing the tab piece stack
30 within the unit, such that tab pieces do not accidentally fall
out of window 20. In one embodiment, distal end 7 of flange 19
defines leading edge 21 of window 20. In various embodiments,
flange 19 may be attached to major wall 11 of unit 10, and/or to
one or more side walls of unit 10. In various embodiments, flange
19 can be positioned substantially aligned with the plane of first
major wall 11 of unit 10 (as in FIGS. 1 and 2); or, flange 19 can
be angled such that distal end 7 of flange 19 is slightly closer to
second major surface 12 of unit 10 (i.e., along the "z" axis), than
is proximal end 6 of flange 19.
[0033] Flange 19 should be thick enough (along the "z" axis) to be
mechanically strong, yet it should not be so thick that it makes it
difficult to deform adhesive tape 50 sufficiently far into window
20 to contact the first major surface 31 of uppermost tab piece 33.
Accordingly, in various embodiments the thickness of flange 19
thickness at distal end 7 is about at most 1 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.2 mm.
In one embodiment, flange 19 is tapered such that its thickness at
distal end 7 is less than its thickness at proximal end 6.
[0034] As mentioned above, flange 19 should be sized and positioned
so as to be in overlapping relation with tab piece stack 30 to a
sufficient extent to prevent the tab pieces from falling out of
window 20. Thus, in various embodiments the distance from flange
proximal end 6 to flange distal end 7 is at least about 0.5, 1.0 or
1.5 mm. However, flange 19 should not comprise such a large area as
to unduly increase the likelihood of adhesive tape 50 becoming
attached to flange 19 in the event that tape adhesive surface 51
comes in contact with flange surface 5 in use of the device. Thus,
in various embodiments the distance from flange proximal end 6 to
flange distal end 7 is at most about 5, 4, or 3 mm.
[0035] Flange 19 may extend across the entirety of the width of
window 20 (in the "y" direction), or, it may only extend across a
portion of the width of window 20. In one embodiment, multiple
small flanges may be used (e.g., so as to comprise a comb
configuration). In one embodiment, flange major surface 5 can be
provided or treated so as to minimize the ability of first major
adhesive surface 51 of tape 50 to adhere to surface 5. For example,
flange 19 can comprise a low surface energy material (e.g. a
fluoropolymer) or can be coated, treated, etc., with a surface
energy lowering treatment.
[0036] Tab piece storage and attachment unit 10 is adapted to
receive and store a stack 30 of individual tab pieces, and to
facilitate the attachment of individual pieces to a length of
double-sided tape 50. Accordingly, unit 10 may define a compartment
that partially or substantially encloses the tab stack, except for
window 20 portion discussed in detail above. As such, in addition
to first major wall 11 and second major wall 12, unit 10 may
comprise one or more side walls 13 and 14, and/or one or more end
walls 115 and 116 (as shown in the exemplary illustrations of FIGS.
1, 1a, and 2).
[0037] Side walls and/or end walls, if present, may be oriented
substantially normal to the plane of major walls 11 and 12 (such a
configuration is shown in the exemplary illustrations of FIGS. 1
and 2). In some embodiments, a side wall or walls and/or an end
wall or walls, may not be present. For example, first and second
major walls 11 and 12 may be designed to extend beyond one or both
side edges and/or end edges of the tab stack, with the various
edges of first and second major walls being bonded together (e.g.
by heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, etc.). In this case some
portion or all of the perimeter of unit 10 may be enclosed to more
securely contain the tab stack, even though true side walls may not
be present.
[0038] In one embodiment, tab stack 30 is held within unit 10
primarily by the pressure applied by a biasing element 9 as
described below. In such a case, it may not be necessary to provide
side walls, end walls, etc., although such elements can still be
included if desired.
[0039] In one embodiment, tab piece stack 30 is positioned between
first major wall 11 and second major wall 12 of unit 10 such that
first major surface 31 of the tab stack (i.e. the first major
surface 31 of uppermost tab piece 33 in the tab stack) is proximate
first major wall 11, and second major surface 32 of the tab stack
is proximate second major wall 12. In one embodiment (pictured in
FIG. 1a), second major wall 12 of unit 10 comprises biasing element
9 arranged to press against second major surface 32 of tab stack 30
so as to urge and maintain the tab stack in the direction of first
major wall 11 of unit 10 (so as to position tab stack 30 such that
the first major surface 31 of tab stack 30 is proximate window 20
in first major wall 11). In various embodiments, biasing clement 9
can be provided as part of second major wall 12, can replace part
of major wall 12, can be attached to major wall 12, can reside atop
(i.e. upwards along the "z" axis), major wall 12, etc.
[0040] In one embodiment, biasing element 9 comprises a piece of
resilient material such as a compressible foam (e.g. foam rubber),
a piece of intrinsically resilient solid material (e.g. rubber,
silicone, etc.), and the like. The resilient material can be backed
by a solid material if desired. In an alternative embodiment,
biasing element 9 comprises a platen (e.g. a piece of solid
material) backed by a spring. In still another alternative
embodiment (pictured in FIG. 3), biasing element 9 comprises a leaf
spring 81. Leaf spring 81 can comprise a member 84 made of stiff,
resiliently flexible material, that is fixed at proximal end 82
(e.g., attached to a portion of major wall 12 of unit 10) and free
at a distal end 83, with distal end 83 being positioned closer to
first major wall 11 than is proximal end 82. Tab stack 30 can be
loaded into unit 10 during momentary application of a deforming
force that urges distal end 83 of leaf spring 81 toward the plane
of second major wall 12. After loading of tab stack 30 into unit 10
and removal of the deforming force, distal end 83 of leaf spring 81
will subsequently attempt to return to its original position and
will thus urge and maintain tab stack 30 in the direction of first
major surface 11 of unit 10. In a particular embodiment, leaf
spring 81 comprises a molded plastic member 84 that is integrally
formed with second major wall 12 of unit 10, and/or a side wall or
end wall of unit 10, by way of being molded along with the
wall.
[0041] Biasing element 9 can comprise a portion of, or the entirety
of, second major wall 12 of unit 10. In a particular embodiment,
biasing element 9 serves to apply pressure preferentially to the
portion of tab stack 30 that is proximate window 20 rather than to
the entirety of the tab stack. Biasing element 9 should be
constructed so as to apply appropriate force to tab stack 30 so as
to position uppermost tab piece 33 for attachment, but should not
apply such force that it is difficult to remove tab piece 33 from
unit 10. In one embodiment, biasing element 9 is manually operable
or adjustable by the end user such that the force can be lowered or
released when it is desired to remove uppermost tab piece 33 from
tab stack 30.
[0042] Tab piece storage and attachment unit 10 may be produced in
any suitable way. For example, the unit may comprise two mating
pieces that fit together and attach by mechanical means such as
snap-fitting, clamping, etc., or by methods such as solvent
bonding, adhesive bonding, etc. Or, unit 10 may be produced (e.g.
molded) as a unitary piece. Various pieces (side walls, end walls,
end stop, flange, alignment rails, etc.) may be produced separately
and attached to unit 10, or may be integral to the unit (e.g.
molded therewith). Unit 10 may be designed so as to come apart
(e.g. the first major wall 11 and second major wall 12 may come
apart from each other); or, certain pieces (e.g. a side wall) may
be removable, so as to allow for refilling of a new tab piece stack
30. Any or all of the surfaces of the various components and
elements that may come in contact with an adhesive surface of the
tape (including particularly flange major surface 5) can be treated
with a low energy treatment so as to minimize the likelihood of the
adhesive surface of the tape sticking to that surface.
[0043] Tab piece storage and attachment unit 10 is sized so as to
contain and dispense tabs that are of appropriate length so as to
provide a useful pull tab for a stretch releasing adhesive tape.
That is, the formed tab should have sufficient bonded area to first
major surface 51 and second major surface 52 of tape 50 that the
tab does not detach from tape 50. In addition, the formed tab
should protrude sufficiently far beyond terminal edge 54 of the
tape as to be easily graspable by a user. In various embodiments,
the tab/tape bonded area on each major surface of tape 50 should
extend along the elongate length of tape 50 least about 4 mm, 8 mm,
or 12 mm from terminal edge 54 of tape 50. In various embodiments,
the formed tab should protrude at least about 5, 10 or about 15 mm
beyond terminal edge 54 of tape 50. Thus, in various embodiments,
unit 10 should be sized so as to be able to contain tabs of at
least about 13, 26 or 39 mm in length.
[0044] Unit 10 is sized so as to contain and dispense tab pieces
that are of appropriate width. In most cases, the width of the tab
should be chosen to approximately equal that of the double-sided
adhesive tape with which the tab is to be used. Accordingly, in
various embodiments the tab storage unit is sized so contain tabs
of about 1/2 inch, about 3/4 inch, or about 1 inch in width.
[0045] Tab piece storage and attachment unit 10 serves to contain
stack 30 of individual tab pieces. In one embodiment, stack 30 is
loaded into unit 10 at the factory, before delivery of the unit to
a user. In an additional embodiment, tab refills may be provided
such that the end user can deposit additional tab pieces in the
unit. In this case, unit 10 may have at least one open or openable
side wall, for example to allow for easy refilling of unit 10 with
additional tab pieces.
[0046] Tab storage and attachment unit 10 can be used to attach a
protruding tab to a length of double-sided adhesive tape 50; e.g.,
to a length of stretch releasing adhesive tape. Length of
double-sided adhesive tape 50 can comprise a length that is
suitable for the bonding operation to be performed; alternatively,
tape 50 can comprise a longer length (e.g., a roll) from which a
shorter length of tape, suitable for the bonding operation to be
performed, is separated (e.g., by a cutting process described later
in detail) after attachment of the protruding tab. Length of tape
50 comprises a terminal end 53 that comprises a terminal edge 54,
and first major adhesive surface 51 and second major adhesive
surface 52. If present on first major surface 51, release liner is
removed to expose first major adhesive surface 51 at least at
terminal end 53. The length of tape 50 is positioned such that
terminal end 53 of tape 50 is in overlapping relation with window
20 (as shown in FIG. 1a). In one embodiment, this is performed with
terminal edge 54 of tape 50 aligned with trailing edge 22 of window
20. In a particular embodiment, terminal edge 54 of tape 50 is
abutted against surface 3 of end stop 17 in performing this
operation. In another embodiment, one side edge 55 of the length of
tape 50 is aligned with an alignment rail 18 that is positioned
proximate a side edge of window 20 in performing this operation. In
a specific embodiment, the side edges of the length of tape 50 are
positioned against alignment rails 18 that are positioned proximate
side edges 23/24 of window 20.
[0047] Once tape 50 is properly positioned, at least a portion of
the area of second major surface 52 at terminal end 53 of tape 50
that is in overlapping relation with window 20, is depressed so as
to deflect at least that portion of tape 50 into window 20 so that
first major adhesive surface 51 of tape 50 contacts first major
surface 31 of uppermost tab piece 33 of tab stack 30. Such a
procedure may be carried out manually, e.g. by use of the finger of
the user; alternatively, a fixture or other suitable device may be
provided in association with unit 10, by which the user can carry
out this operation. The procedure can be carried out by applying
pressure directly to second major surface 52; or, by applying
pressure to a release liner (or other layer) that is positioned
atop major surface 52. Regardless of how carried out, this
procedure results in an area of first major adhesive surface 51 of
tape 50 coming in contact with the first major surface 31 of
uppermost tab piece 33 of tab stack 30 to a sufficient extent to
attach tab piece 33 to tape adhesive surface 51. Then, tape 50 is
removed from proximity to window 20 (e.g. by moving the tape
upwards along axis "z" normal to the plane of window 20) with the
result that the attached tab piece 33 passes through window 20 and
is removed from unit 10.
[0048] The result of this operation is the attachment of tab piece
33 to first major surface 51 of terminal end 53 of a length of
double-sided adhesive tape 50, with the distal end 34 of tab piece
33 protruding beyond terminal edge 54 of terminal end 53 of the
tape (as shown in FIG. 4). If a release liner is present on second
major adhesive surface 52 of tape 50, at this time the release
liner is removed from surface 52 at least at terminal end 53. Then,
distal end 34 of the protruding portion of tab piece 33 is wrapped
around terminal end 53 of the tape (e.g., by wrapping it around
terminal edge 54 of terminal end 53 of tape 50 as shown in FIG. 4).
Then, an area of major surface 31 of distal end 34 of tab piece 33
is contacted with, and bonded to, second major adhesive surface 52
of terminal end 53 of adhesive tape 50. In carrying out this
procedure, distal end 34 of tab piece 33 is positioned on second
major adhesive surface 52 so as to provide sufficient bonding area
(e.g., such that the tab/tape bonded area on second major adhesive
surface 52 of tape 50 is of similar size to the tab/tape bonded
area on first major adhesive surface 51 of tape 50). The proper
placement of tab piece 33 distal end 34 on second major adhesive
surface 52 of tape 50 can be estimated visually by the user;
alternatively, the length of tape 50 may be placed in overlapping
relation to window 20 (with second major surface 52 now facing the
user) to aid in accurate placement.
[0049] To aid the user in wrapping and placing a tab piece, the tab
piece may be provided with a crease 37 that is located
approximately midway along the longitudinal axis of the tab piece,
and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tab
piece. The presence of crease 37 makes it easier for the user to
wrap tab piece 33 such that an appropriately sized area of distal
end 34 of tab piece 33 is placed into overlapping relation with
adhesive surface 52 of tape 50 for bonding. Such a crease may
comprise a linear zone in which the tab film material has been
treated (e.g. weakened, perforated, ablated, etc.) so as to provide
the tab film with a tendency to fold preferentially along the
linear zone. Or, such a crease may comprise a linear zone in which
the film material has been biased (folded, crimped, etc.) so as to
provide the tab film with a tendency to fold preferentially along
the linear zone, in a particular direction.
[0050] With the bonding of the distal end 34 of tab piece 33 to
second major adhesive surface 52 of tape 50, a length of
double-sided adhesive tape with a tab attached to both major
surfaces of the terminal end of the adhesive tape, and protruding
past the terminal edge of the terminal end of the tape, is
provided. In one embodiment, the same major surface 31 of tab piece
33 is attached to both major adhesive surfaces 51 and 52 of
double-sided adhesive tape 50.
[0051] In one embodiment, length of tape 50 comprises a discrete
length, suitable for the bonding operation to be performed, when
the above-described tab attachment procedure is carried out. In an
alternative embodiment, the above-described procedure is carried
out with double-sided adhesive tape 50 present as a longer length
(e.g., as a roll). In this embodiment, the desired length of tape
50 (with attached protruding tab as described), suitable for the
bonding operation to be performed, is then separated from the
longer length of tape. Such a separation process may he carried out
by use of a cutting device (e.g. scissors, knife, blade,
guillotine, etc.). In one embodiment, a cutting device 27 (e.g.
scissors, knife, blade, guillotine, etc.) is provided as part of,
or attached to, tab storage and attachment unit 10. Cutting device
27 may be provided at any convenient location on tab storage and
attachment unit 10. If desired, the cutting device can comprise a
retractable or removable cover by which the blade can be shielded
when not in use.
[0052] The tab pieces as disclosed herein typically comprise a
longitudinal axis and a short axis and can be comprised of any film
material with at least one adherable surface and which is
sufficiently strong as to form a usable tab. In one embodiment, a
multiplicity of tab pieces are combined to form a stack 30 to be
placed in the tab piece storage and attachment unit 10, with the
adherable surface of each tab piece oriented toward window 20 in
unit 10. Thus, the first major surface 31 of each tab piece (which
will be the surface that is bonded to the first and second major
adhesive surfaces 51 and 52 of double-sided tape 50) is an
adherable surface. An adherable surface refers generally to a
surface that is capable of bonding to a pressure-sensitive adhesive
(such as those typically used in double-sided adhesive tapes, and
particularly in stretch releasing adhesive tapes, and described in
further detail in, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,581 to Kreckel et. al.)
such that the tab is not removable from the pressure sensitive
adhesive, or is not removable without damaging the adherable
surface of the tab film, the tab film material, the pressure
sensitive adhesive of the stretch releasing tape, or the elastic
backing (if present) of the stretch releasing tape. As such, an
adherable surface may comprise any surface that does not comprise a
release liner as described above. That is, an adherable surface
refers to a surface that does not comprise a release coating, low
adhesion backsize, treatment or ingredient such as a silicone or
silicone containing material, a fluorinated or fluorine-containing
material, a fluorosilicone material, or the like. Representative
examples of materials suitable for tab films include polyolefins,
such as polyethylene, including high density polyethylene, low
density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and linear
ultra low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylenes;
vinyl copolymers, such as polyvinyl chlorides, both plasticized and
unplasticized, and polyvinyl acetates; olefinic copolymers, such as
ethylene/methacrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate
copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, and
ethylene/propylene copolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers; and
combinations of the foregoing. Polyester based materials (e.g.
poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), etc.)
may also be used. Mixtures or blends of any plastic or plastic and
elastomeric materials such as polypropylene/polyethylene,
polyurethane/polyolefin, polyurethane/polycarbonate,
polyurethane/polyester, can also be used. Cellulosic films (e.g.
paper, cellophane, etc.) can also be used. Tab films can also be
prepared from filled materials, such as, for example, filled films,
e.g., calcium carbonate filled polyolefins. Tab films can be made
by any known method of film forming, such as, for example,
extrusion, co-extrusion, solvent casting, and the like. Clear films
may be preferred for many applications.
[0053] The tab film material should have sufficient thickness and
strength so as to not break or tear when the tab formed therefrom
is gripped and pulled. That is, the tab film material should
survive the force used to activate the stretch release property of
the stretch releasing adhesive tape. In various embodiments, the
tab film can be at least about 12 microns in thickness. The tab
film should not however be so thick as to be difficult to handle.
In various embodiments, the tab film is at most about 75 microns or
150 microns in thickness.
[0054] The adherable surface of the tab film material may be
treated to improve its ability to adhere to the adhesive surface of
the stretch releasing adhesive tape. For example, corona discharge,
plasma discharge, flame treatment, electron beam irradiation,
ultraviolet radiation, chemical vapor deposition, acid etching, or
chemical priming may be used. In one embodiment, a pressure
sensitive adhesive is disposed on the tab film adherable surface to
improve adhesion.
[0055] It may not be necessary that the other surface of the tab
film be adherable as defined herein. However, this other surface
should be readily graspable by the user, and may comprise a
treatment (roughened surface, etc.) so as to provide enhanced
grippability. Other treatments may be used as desired, as discussed
in detail later herein.
[0056] In various embodiments, either or both of the adherable
surface and the graspable surface may be treated in specific areas
so as to provide different properties in different areas of that
surface, e.g. by stripe coating, pattern coating, and the like. For
example, areas of higher adhesion properties (achieved by priming,
or by coating adhesive, etc.) may be provided. Instead of this, or
in addition to this, areas of lower adhesion properties (achieved
by coating release agents, etc.) may be provided.
[0057] In various embodiments, tab film pieces can be provided with
a crease, as described above in detail.
[0058] Double-sided adhesive tape 50 can be any suitable tape that
comprises adhesive on first major surface 51 and second major
surface 52. In one embodiment, double-sided adhesive tape 50
comprises a stretch releasing adhesive tape. A suitable stretch
releasing adhesive tape can comprise an elastic backing, or a
highly extensible and substantially inelastic backing, with a
pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed (e.g. coated) thereupon. Or
the tape can be formed of a solid, elastic pressure sensitive
adhesive. Thus, in this context, the term "tape" encompasses
products that comprise a unitary, integral, or solid construction
of adhesive (in addition to products that comprise a backing with
separate layers of adhesive residing thereupon). Suitable stretch
releasing tapes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,312 to
Korpman; German Patent No. 33 31 016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,581 to
Kreckel et al.; and PCT International Publication No. WO 95/06691
to Bries et al.
[0059] One or both adhesive surfaces 51 and 52 can be supplied
covered with a liner, i.e. a release liner, present. The liner or
liners can be any conventional readily removable liner. Typical
liners include a backing formed of, for example, paper, or a
polymeric film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester,
which is coated with a release agent such as a silicone, a
fluorochemical, or any other conventionally known coating (for
example, those coatings known in the art as low adhesion backsizes)
that renders the surface substantially nonadhesive. An often
preferred liner is silicone coated paper. Often, a liner with
release agent present on both major surfaces is used with stretch
releasing adhesive tapes, such that if the length of stretch
releasing adhesive tape comprises a roll, one surface of the liner
contacts adhesive surface 51, and the other surface of the liner
contacts adhesive surface 52. In such a case only one such release
liner need be used. As discussed above, such a liner or liners are
typically removed when it is desired to bond the stretch releasing
adhesive tape to an object or objects.
[0060] In one embodiment, tab piece storage and attachment unit 10
is provided as a unit that is not associated with the double-sided
adhesive tape. In an alternate embodiment, unit 10 is provided in
combination with the double-sided adhesive tape. In a particular
embodiment, double-sided adhesive tape 50 (either in roll form as a
collection of discrete lengths) and tab piece storage and
attachment unit 10 are provided together as a kit (for example,
packaged together). In a further embodiment, tab piece storage and
attachment unit 10 is attached to the frame 41 of a suitable
double-sided adhesive tape dispenser 40.
[0061] With reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, herein
is disclosed a dispenser 40 comprising a frame 41. A roll of
double-sided adhesive tape 50 (omitted for clarity in FIG. 5) can
be positioned on frame 41. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5,
optional hub 42 is provided for receiving roll of tape 50. In such
a configuration, roll of tape 50 can be wound directly on hub 42;
or, roll 50 can be wound on a core which is itself slidably
mountable onto hub 42. If present, hub 42 may comprise an axial
dimension that is similar to the width of the roll of tape to be
mounted thereupon (as in the exemplary illustrations of FIGS. 5 and
10). Or, the axial dimension of hub 42 can be much smaller (e.g.,
hub 42 can be a stub or flange). In an alternative embodiment, no
hub may be present. In such a case, roll 50 can be held in the
desired position in some other manner.
[0062] For example, if frame 41 comprises a housing (such as
illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 and discussed
later herein) that partially, substantially or completely encloses
roll of tape 50, roll of tape 50 can be held in place within the
housing, without the use of a hub.
[0063] Dispenser 40 further comprises tab piece storage and
attachment unit 10 attached to frame 41, unit 10 containing
individual tab pieces arranged in a stack 30 (omitted from FIG. 5
for clarity) comprising first major surface 31 and second major
surface 32 and described above in detail. Tab piece storage and
attachment unit 10 comprises an elongated shape with first end 15
and second end 16, and comprising at least first and second major
opposing walls 11 and 12, and wherein first major wall 11 comprises
a window 20 that is proximate first end 15 of elongated storage and
attachment unit 10 and that exposes at least a portion of first
major surface 31 of tab piece stack 30.
[0064] In one embodiment of dispenser 40, frame 41 comprises a
member or members that connect to tab piece storage and attachment
unit 10. Frame 41 may connect (optional) hub 42 (from one or both
axial ends of hub 42) to tab piece storage and attachment unit 10.
In such an embodiment, roll of tape 50 may be substantially
exposed. In another embodiment, (pictured in FIG. 5), frame 41
comprises at least one side wall 43 to which optional hub 42 and
unit 10 are attached. In this case side wall 43 may partly,
substantially or completely cover at least one axial surface of
roll 50. In another embodiment, discussed later in detail, frame 41
comprises a housing that comprises at least a first and second side
wall and that partially, substantially, or completely encloses roll
of tape 50.
[0065] In use of dispenser 40, terminal end 53 of tape 50 (not
shown in FIG. 5) can be positioned in overlapping relation to
window 20 of tab piece storage and attachment unit 10, and a tab
piece 33 attached to terminal end 53 of tape 50, according to the
procedure described in detail above.
[0066] In one embodiment of dispenser 40, tab piece storage and
attachment unit 10, and roll of tape 50, are arranged such that
when the terminal end 53 of tape 50 is positioned in overlapping
relation with window 20, no portion of tape 50 is in overlapping
relation with the non-window portion 66 of major surface 11 of the
storage and attachment unit (that is, portion 66 of major surface
11 that is between end 16 of unit 10 and trailing edge 22 of window
20). Such an arrangement is shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. (in this
context, the term "overlapping relation" with reference to an item
relative to a surface of a wall means that the item is adjacent the
wall surface with no portion of the body of the wall being between
the item and the surface). Such a configuration is contrasted with
an arrangement in which, when terminal end 53 of tape 50 is
positioned in overlapping relation with window 20, at least a
portion of tape 50 is in overlapping relation with the non-window
portion 66 of major surface 11 of storage and attachment unit 10
(such a contrasting arrangement is shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.)
[0067] In the embodiments pictured in FIGS. 6 and 8, no portion of
tape 50 is in overlapping relation with any portion of tab stack 30
other than the portion of tape 50 that is in overlapping relation
with window 20 (and with flange 19 if present). Thus, end 34 of
uppermost tab piece 33 protrudes beyond terminal edge 54 of the
length of double-sided adhesive tape 50. Thus, upon attachment of
the uppermost tab piece 33 to terminal end 53 of the length of tape
50, distal end 34 of newly attached tab piece 33 will protrude
beyond terminal edge 54 of length of tape 50 (i.e. will form a
configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 4). Such a condition
allows distal end 34 of the tab piece to be wrapped around the
terminal end 53 of the tape 50 so as to form a length of
double-sided adhesive tape 50 bearing a tab that is attached to
both major surfaces 11 and 12 of tape 50 and that protrudes beyond
the terminal edge 54 of tape 50. Such a condition is not present
with the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 thus these
configurations do not allow the formation of a tab that is attached
to both surfaces of an adhesive tape and that protrudes far enough
past the terminal edge of the tape to serve as a useable protruding
pull tab.
[0068] In one embodiment, tab piece storage and attachment unit 10
can be positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the unit is
substantially parallel to the closest surface of hub 42, as shown
in FIG. 6 (if no hub is present, tab piece storage attachment unit
10 can be positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the unit is
substantially parallel to the closest inner surface 59 of roll of
tape 50). In an alternative embodiment, unit 10 can be positioned
such that the longitudinal axis of the unit is substantially normal
to the closest surface of the tape hub and/or to the closest inner
surface of the roll of tape 50 (as in FIG. 8). In various
embodiments, unit 10 can be positioned in between the substantially
parallel and substantially normal conditions.
[0069] In one embodiment (regardless of whether unit 10 is attached
to a dispenser 40), unit 10 is substantially flat as shown in the
exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1, la, 3, and 8. In an alternative
embodiment (again regardless of whether unit 10 is attached to a
dispenser 40), unit 10 is curved (that is, first and second major
walls 11 and 12 are arcuate in shape), as shown in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 10. In various embodiments (yet
again, regardless of whether unit 10 is attached to a dispenser
40), first and second major walls 11 and 12 can be substantially
parallel to each other (whether the surfaces are relatively flat or
whether they comprise arcuate shapes) or can be relatively
nonparallel.
[0070] In providing a combined tape dispenser and tab piece storage
and attachment unit, many configurations are possible. For example
(as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10), dispenser frame
41 can comprise first side wall 43 and second side wall 48 that
together form a housing. Such a dispenser can be made of two or
more mating pieces that fit together (e.g. as shown in the exploded
view of FIG. 10). In such a case, various components of tab piece
storage and attachment unit 10 may be supplied by the two mating
pieces. For instance, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, first and
second major walls 11 and 12 of tab piece storage and attachment
unit 10 are provided as part of dispenser frame side wall 43, and a
side wall of unit 10 is provided by area 47 of dispenser frame side
wall 48.
[0071] In addition to side walls 43 and 48, dispenser frame 41 can
also comprise an outer wall 49 (pictured in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 10) that combines with side wall 43 and/or side
wall 48 to form a housing such that roll of tape 50 (omitted from
FIG. 10 for clarity) is partially, substantially or completely
enclosed by the housing. In such a case, wall 49 can comprise a
slot 44 through which terminal end 53 of tape 50 can be delivered
to unit 10 for attachment of a tab. Wall 49 can also comprise an
opening 46 (as pictured in FIG. 10) that acts in concert with an
opening 71 in first major wall 11 to provide window 20 of tab piece
storage and attachment unit 10.
[0072] In various embodiments, dispenser frame 41 is made of a
single unitary piece comprising tab piece storage and attachment
unit 10 in combination with any one of, or any combination chosen
from among, side wall 43, side wall 48, and/or wall 49. In a
particular embodiment, these components are made by being molded as
a unit.
[0073] If desired, the dispenser can comprise a cutting device 27
(as described in detail elsewhere herein) for separating a length
of tape from the roll. (Again as described earlier, such a
separation process can be performed either before, or after,
attachment of a protruding tab). Cutting device 27 can be provided
as part of, or attached to, tab storage and attachment unit 10 as
described previously. Alternatively, cutting device 27 can be
provided as part of, or attached to, dispenser frame 41 at any
convenient location on dispenser frame 41. If desired, cutting
device 27 can comprise a retractable or removable cover by which
the blade can be shielded when not in use.
[0074] Between uses, free (terminal) end 53 of roll 50 can be
tacked down to the exposed surface of an underlying layer of roll
50. Or, a holding surface can be provided at any convenient
location on dispenser frame 41, comprising a surface to which
terminal end 53 of tape roll 50 can be temporarily adhered until
the dispenser is to be used again. Such a holding surface may
comprise a low energy surface such that the tape can be easily
removed from the holding surface. In another embodiment, terminal
end 53 of tape 50 can be placed in overlapping relation with window
20 and deflected so as to bond first major adhesive surface 51 of
tape 50 to first major surface 31 of uppermost tab piece 33 of tab
stack 30, according to the procedure described in detail earlier
herein. Dispenser 40 can then be stored in this condition. When it
is desired to dispense a length of tape 50 with a tab attached, the
user cuts tape 50 to the desired length and withdraws tape 50 from
window 20 to remove uppermost tab 33 from unit 10 (again noting
that these operations can be performed in either order). The (newly
formed) terminal end 53 of tape 50 is then positioned in
overlapping relation with window 20, bonded to (newly exposed)
first major surface 31 of tab stack 30, and dispenser 40 again
stored in this condition.
[0075] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
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